Smith & Wesson No.3 Second Model 44 American Revolver w/ Ivory Grips

Serial #31992, .44 S&W American, 8 inch round ribbed barrel with fine bore with strong rifling and slight roughness showing several small pits about mid-bore.  This is the Smith & Wesson Model Three 2nd model single action revolver (Second Model American) manufactured near the end of the production cycle that spanned circa 1872-1874.  In Very Fine antique condition the metal surfaces retain about 55-60% of the original bright nickel finish with some large areas of flaking and surface pitting along the barrel, cylinder and grip frame.  The front sight appears to be a period coin silver replacement.  Matching assembly number 189 inside grip frame and barrel.  The Walrus ivory stocks have a fantastic appearance and appear to be original, slightly shrunk with the left one intact and the right missing a several chipped pieces marked with carved “H” on the inside left and “J.H” on inside right panels.  Mechanically it functions properly holding at half and full cock with proper timing and a slight bit of cylinder play when fully cocked.  A very fine overall example of the desirable 2nd Model American.  Antique